Following up our handy Nintendo Direct Wii U Round Up, we've done the same for all the 3DS news from yesterday's blockbuster online Nintendo Direct show. If you missed out on watching the Direct, or don't have 40 minutes to sift through everything to find out what you need to be excited about, then fear not, as we've rounded up all the juicy details in one handy feature. So buckle your pants, as there's a lot here to get through.
Fire Emblem (Working Title) announced
First up on the Direct was arguably the biggest announcement of the entire show - a brand new game in the fantasy inspired turn-based strategy series, Fire Emblem, from series developers Intelligent Systems. Featuring the same fantastic 3D graphics and cel-shaded cutscenes from Fire Emblem Awakening, the whole thing is looking very polished indeed - and if it even comes close to being as much fun as Awakening (which we gave 4.5/5 in our review), we could be in for something very special indeed.
Kozaki Yusuke is back on character design from the last game, while manga and anime writer Shin Kibayashi is heading up story duties, who's recent work includes a manga adaptation of the Fatal Frame horror game series. While that may not seem like the best fit with the often whimsical Fire Emblem games, it could signal a new, deeper and darker storyline for the game. What we do know is that this time around there will be a larger focus on the choices you make and bigger implications for the world around you.
While a new Fire emblem game is cause for celebration, we were surprised to hear no mention of the long awaited Fire Emblem x Shin Megami Tensei crossover. Combining two of the biggest Japanese strategy games, there's been next to nothing about this for a long time now. We'll make sure to let you know once we have information or a release date for either game.
Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition Bundle!
As we reported the other day, Nintendo are collaborating with Japanese studio GungHo Online to bring a special edition of the huge smash hit match-three game, Puzzle & Dragons to the 3DS, only with more of a Mario flavour. In the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo revealed that Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Edition will be getting a western release! But that's not all - it'll also be joined by the match-three/role playing hybrid, Puzzle & Dragons Z!
While were stoked enough to see Puzzle & Dragons Z, one of the best selling titles of 2013 in Japan, finally getting a western release, the Super Mario Edition is looking pretty special as well. Featuring the same classic match-three gameplay, wrapped up in a Mario themed skin, you'll be able to adventure across a Mario styled overworld, capture Mario's classic enemies to form a party, and battle against enemies in traditional match-three puzzle style.
In fact, perhaps the only bad news here is that we'll have to wait until a vague "May" to get our hands on it!
New lines of amiibo are coming soon, will work with New 3DS
We finally have more information on the next batch of Nintendo's interactive toy range, amiibo, which will be hitting shelves on 24th April.
Rounding off the Smash Bros. line of figures will be seeing Robyn, Lucina, Wario, Charizard, Pac-Man and Ness. While there has been no update on which games the figures will be compatible with, we at least know that each character can be used in Smash Bros. at the very least, with support for other games potentially added via software updates at a later date.
More new fighters are on the way
While we knew that every Smash Bros. character would be getting a plastic makeover, we had no clue that Nintendo would start rolling out other series of amiibo so soon. A special Super Mario Bros. amiibo Collection, featuring some splendidly fantastic red bases, will also soon be joining the line-up, including Mario, Peach, Toad, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser. Each character will be based on artwork from the Super Mario Bros. series, with the first wave releasing on 20th March.
A new line of amiibo with cool red bases. We need that Toad...
Eagle eyed readers may notice the Mario figure is actually based on the very first amiibo prototype that was ever shown, produced before the Smash Bros. line was announced.
We even got some extra details on the new amiibo compatible titles. Upcoming Wii U mini-game/board game collection Mario Party 10 will let you scan Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, Toad, Rosalina, Donkey Kong and Wario in to the game to unlock a new 'amiibo party' mode, which lets you use your amiibo as a player counter, and will unlock one of nine different character-themed game boards exclusive to this mode. While the Mario board features Mega Mushrooms that let you to crush your opponents, the Luigi board will feature a huge Poltergust that steals stars from other players. You'll be able to take advantage of these new features when the game launches on 20th March.
Hide and seek? Really Nintendo?
Any fans of Captain Toad Treasure Tracker will also be pleased to know that the Toad figure will be compatible with the game after a software update in March, where scanning in your figure will unlock a brand new mode which plays a little like hide and seek. You'll be tasked with finding a little pixel drawing of toad, hidden within each level. It seems a little simplistic, and we were expecting a bit more - but that seems to be becoming a common theme with these amiibo.
New Nintendo 3DS & XL release details
Perhaps the biggest none game related news of the show was that Nintendo's worst kept secret, the "new 3DS" and "new 3DS XL" will be available as of February 13th.
The third (and, we'd imagine, final) revision of Nintendo's flagship handheld brings with it built in amiibo functionality, an upgraded screen that should finally mean crisp and clear glasses-free 3D, and, perhaps most significantly, an upgraded processor and extra buttons, bringing with it exclusive "new 3DS" games. With both an XL and a regular size available on day one, the XL model will be available in Metallic Black or Metallic Blue, while the regular new 3DS model will come in the classic (and boring) combination of Black or White. Thankfully the smaller model has interchangeable front and back cover plates that can be swapped out for various other designs, with 12 available at launch, along with charging cradles.
Nintendo Anime Channel arrives on 3DS February 13th
Classic Pokemon episodes "directly" to you... via your 3DS of course
Nintendo gave us a nice surprise when they announced the Nintendo Anime Channel service. Giving those who download the free app access to three popular anime series, wherever they are, you'll be able to stream episodes of Pokémon, Kirby: Right Back at Ya! and Inazuma Eleven straight to your 3DS. It's something we've been praying the Big N would put together for a while - but it seems a bit bizarre it's only on 3DS, when the Wii U would surely be the more logical choice, with its big screen, living room position.
Available as of 13th February as a free download from the Nintendo eShop, we'll be looking forward to getting our hands on this. Nintendo has also promised that more content will be coming to the service in the future, so we have high hopes for this little app.
Codename S.T.E.A.M gets a healthy dose of Fire Emblem
More information was also revealed for Codename S.T.E.A.M., the quirky and unique steampunk themed turn-based strategy game from Fire Emblem developer Intelligent Systems. We got a further look (courtesy of the new trailer, included above) at its fusion of turn based combat and real time battles, as well as details on the types of moves you'll be using.
The biggest news announced is that Codename S.T.E.A.M will also be one the first 3DS titles to utilise amiibo figurines - specifically, the line of Fire Emblem characters from the Smash Bros. set of amiibo. Each will become a playable agent in the game, equipped with their signature weapons, themed attacks and special moves lifted directly from the Fire Emblem games.
We're not exactly sure how they'll work the characters into the storyline, considering Fire Emblem is fantasy, not Steam Punk, but considering the game also features the cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz and President Abe Lincoln we're pretty sure it won't matter.
Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy + coming in February
One of the more unexciting announcements was the reveal of Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy +. This updated version of the original Ace Combat game for the 3DS (which was a cracking game in itself) will release some time in February, and will come with an array of very minor upgrades to the earlier game. With new, "new 3DS" exclusive controls that take advantage of the new system's extra buttons, and support for amiibo functionality, as scanning supported figures into the game (including Mario, Link, Luigi, Bowser, Fox and Peach) will let you unlock a jet themed around that character, there's a fair few upgrades, but none special enough to encourage people to shell out the extra cash. It seems a missed opportunity that scanning Fox won't unlock and Arwing, too - but we're really hoping to get our hands on a Kirby Jet.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Edition is also out on February 13th
Looks like February 13th is going to be a busy day for Nintendo fans. Not only are we getting a brand new line of 3DS systems - but its also the same day that the co-op monster slaying game, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Edition is released alongside a special edition Monster Hunter 4 themed new 3DS, which comes complete with a slick brushed metal finish with blue Monster Hunter etchings. It's almost as if it was planned.
We also know that the game will see the return of different weapon classes - 14 in fact - two which are brand new to the series. The game will also feature both local and online co-op for up to 4 players, with online missions being a first for Monster Hunter on 3DS.
It will also take advantage of the New 3DS' C-stick, to offer precise camera controls. Certain writers here had a little bit of trouble with the camera controls in the last Monster Hunter outing, so they'll undoubtedly be pleased to hear about the new features.
The announcement was topped off with a good news/bad news combo that a new Monster Hunter demo is available to download right now - but you can only get it if you're one of the lucky few chosen by Nintendo's random email lottery. The demo will be aimed at newcomers to the series, and act as an extensive look at the game, with access to all 14 of the playable weapon classes, as well as the same local and online co-op that will feature in the final game. Very impressive.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D confirmed for Europe and gets new mode
This fantastic huge RPG adventure on 3DS? yes Please
One of the Wii's last, and most impressive games was the Japanese role playing epic, Xenoblade Chronicles. With a sequel in the works for the Wii U, it seems that one game isn't enough Xenoblade love to go around, as the Wii game is being ported to "new 3DS" consoles, and will be hitting these shores in April. Somewhat disappointingly, though, this is one of the first games to be exclusive to the new 3DS - which means it won't work on your current machines.
We also know it's being developed by Monster Games, the same team responsible for bringing Donkey Kong Country Returns to 3DS. Xenoblade Chronicles 3DS will also feature a bonus mode also allows players to take a look at the game's in game models, and listen to the game's soundtrack - an welcome addition, but one we doubt we'll spend much time with. We'll find out when the game drops on 2nd April.
New Majora's Mask 3D Features & Special Edition Console
One of our most anticipated games detailed during the Direct was The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. As well as featuring the same treatment and updated visuals that the other classic N64 Zelda adventure, Ocarina of Time received, we also now know that the game will be launching alongside the new 3DS systems on the 13th of February.
Among the other bits of exciting news revealed in the presentation, a few more details were shed on the Bomber's Notebook item, which will be receiving an overhaul for the new game.
In the original game, this served the very important function of allowing players to keep track of the schedules of the various denizens of the world of Termina. Acting like a kind of fancier quest log, the notebook would give you hints and tips as to where you should go next, where other people will be heading next, and what you might want to try doing next in the game's bizarre Groundhog Day style storyline. In the original game, the Bomber's Notebook was an important, yet oft overlooked item, which meant players ended up missing out on the unique side missions which were the heart of the Majora's Mask experience. Something which series creator Shigeru Miyamoto was keen to rectify.
The upgraded Bomber's Notebook will act more along the lines of an electronic notebook. Much like the Gossip Stones that offered hints in Ocarina of Time the new Notebook should help to give players to find all of the hidden events featured in the game.
One of the most memorable points of the Direct was the confirmation of a Majoras Mask Special Edition New 3DS XL. This Majora's Mask Edition features a gold metallic finish and etched imagery of the 5 key masks of the game - and must surely come as one in the eye to any Nintendo fan who thought themselves "lucky" enough to be able to buy the Ambassador Edition new 3DS, only to then be faced with something much more swish. Looking like a mixture of both the last two Legend of Zelda Special edition consoles, this will be a must have for any Zelda fan. We'll definitely be picking one of these up for ourselves.
IronFall Invasion out on eShop in February
Last on the docket was the announcement of a brand new IP! Being released on eShop for 3DS! Yeah, we know... IronFall Invasion is a third person shooter that looks a lot like if the last Mass Effect game and Gears of War had a portable 3DS baby.
The game is being developed by indie studio VD-Dev whose last release was C.O.P. The Recruit for the DS back in 2009. Seemingly, they've been putting the last 6 years to good use, as the title actually looks pretty impressive for an eShop game.
Coming with not only a fully fledged single player campaign, but also packing a multiplayer mode that allows up to 6 players to face off in a multiplayer arena in both local and online co-op, the feature set on its own is impressive enough. Reportedly running at a solid 60 frames per second, and, like many of the other games announced during the Nintendo Direct, taking advantage of the new 3DS C-Stick, offering more precise controls, this is an unusual, yet interesting looking game for Nintendo's handheld.
Still, while it's good to see more adult orientated titles being released, its not exactly the bombshell many of us were hoping for to top off what was a mixed Nintendo Direct.
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Sadly that's all the news we have. Nintendo has definitely changed their tune from last years lack of focus on 3DS games, and it looks like fans of the portable system will have plenty to sink their teeth into over the coming months.
Which 3DS games are you looking forward to most? Will you be picking up any of the New 3DS systems? Let us know down in the comments section.
You can check out the full Nintendo Direct Presentation here, or read our Wii U round-up here:
